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I RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES - Board Memorandum o L I ES BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: February 4, 2011 ITEM NO: 3 SUBJECT: EMERGENCY WORE[ REQUIRED DUE TO ANCHOR FAILURE AFFECTING THE VISTA — MT. VIEW 69 KV TRANSMISSION LINE NORTHERLY OF PALO VERDE LANE -WORK ORDER NO. 1111528 ISSUE: Board of Public Utilities approval is requested for Emergency Work Order No. 1111528 in accordance with Section 1202(2) (b) of the City Charter. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Public Utilities approve the estimated capital expenditure of $100,000 for Emergency Work Order No.1111528 in accordance with City Charter Section 1202(2)(b). BACKGROUND: On Sunday, January 9, 2011, at 6:39 AM the Vista — Riverside 69kV transmission line tripped off line. The Southern California Edison (SCE) operator at Vista Substation tested the line at 6:43 AM, in accordance with standing orders. The test was unsuccessful. The troubleshooter patrolled the line and at 7:32 AM reported multiple transmission poles down in the Santa Ana River bottom northerly of Palo Verde Lane along the bicycle trail. Three overhead crews were called out to perform emergency repairs, Crews replaced two poles at their existing locations and installed three new poles at new locations with better access to replace four other failed poles. An additional pole was replaced due to deterioration resulting from termite damage. The failed anchor was replaced and a second anchor was installed at a new pole location. Investigation determined that an anchor rod failed due to corrosion at pole 25141J. The sudden release of tension snapped insulators at three poles and caused five poles to snap at ground line. Detailed visual inspections of the wood poles, insulators and anchors and intrusive inspections of the wood poles on the Vista — Mt. View 69kV transmission line were last conducted in 2009 by contract crews in accordance with General Order (GO) 165. Three of the poles replaced during the emergency work had been identified for planned replacement as a result of the inspections. One planned pole replacement work order had been issued for contract construction, a second was in design and the third was awaiting assignment to a designer. The failed anchor had been rated in good condition based on a visual inspection. Staff is preparing a work order to replace the 31 existing anchors on this transmission line and reviewing available non-destructive testing options to determine the most effective method for identifying deficient anchors. These repairs were necessary to return the transmission lines to service and protect public safety. Repair activities began on Sunday, January 9, and continued until Wednesday, January 12, when the line was returned to service. Section 1202(b) of the City Charter provides the following: `(A] purchase, or acquisition, construction, extension, enlargement, diminution or curtafiment may be made without prior approval (2) if there is an urgent necessity to preserve life, health or property (i) as determined by the Director of Public Utilities or, (ii) if the amount exceeds $100,000 by the Director of Public Utilities and